New Delhi, June 12: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with Helen Budlinger Artieda, the Swiss Secretary of Economic Affairs, during his visit to Switzerland on Friday. The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in investment and research.
Representatives from Switzerland’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies were also present at the meeting.
On the social media platform X, Goyal stated, “I kicked off my visit to Switzerland by co-chairing a meeting with Helen Budlinger Artieda and representatives from leading Swiss pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.”
He further noted, “The main focus of our discussions was to strengthen cooperation in research and innovation, as well as to explore new investment opportunities for Swiss pharma companies in India’s rapidly growing healthcare and life sciences sector.”
Goyal is in Switzerland from June 12 to 13 to implement the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) and to strengthen economic partnerships.
The Commerce Ministry highlighted that this visit underscores the importance of India’s economic partnership with Switzerland and other EFTA countries. India and EFTA member nations—Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland—signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in March 2024, which will take effect in October 2025. This agreement provides a comprehensive framework to enhance trade, investment, and economic cooperation between both parties.
During his visit, the Union Minister will also meet with Swiss companies and investors in Zurich to discuss opportunities for boosting bilateral trade and investment.
The ministry confirmed that senior officials from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will accompany Goyal.
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